FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - A tourist taking pictures by a sign in Fort Lauderdale was struck and killed by a driver who took off, and his family is demanding answers.
Miguel Soler, a tourist from New Jersey, was taking in the sights with his wife and son near East Las Olas Boulevard and Isle of Venice in Fort Lauderdale, Saturday evening, when a black SUV hit him in the middle of the street and fled the scene.
His half-sister said he escaped Cuba years ago and made a beautiful life for himself and his family, but now she only has those memories to hold on to. “Smart, very kind man,” said Ana Maria Soler. “We all love him.”
According to Fort Lauderdale Police, the 58-year-old had just taken a picture with the Fort Lauderdale welcome sign moments before the incident.
Paint marks can still be seen where the victim was hit. Soler was standing next to his rental car in the westbound lanes of East Las Olas Boulevard when a car traveling westbound slammed into him.
The car that hit Soler was later found nearby on Tarpon Drive, but the driver has not been located.
The victim’s half-sister said she hadn’t spoken to him for some time, but the pain is still there.
“I would like to see the driver come up and say, ‘I did it. I panicked. I got out of the car, I ran, but I’m going to be man enough or woman enough. I took a life and I’m ready to accept what’s going to come,'” said Ana Maria Soler.
If you have any information on this hit-and-run, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward
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